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Swizz Beatz, A$AP Rocky ‘Make History’ On ‘Street Knock’

Allen Iverson joins duo for first video from Swizz’s upcoming Limitless mixtape, featuring Nas, Rick Ross, DMX and the Lox. By Sowmya Krishnamurthy Swizz Beatz on the set of “Street Knock” Photo: MTV News Swizz Beatz is getting some assistance from newcomer A$AP Rocky on “Street Knock,” the first single from his upcoming Limitless mixtape. The super producer and Harlem’s pretty boy invited MTV News to the music video set of the bouncy AraabMuzik-produced number in New York City. “Right now, I’m here at the shoot with the homey Swizz, about to make history,” Rocky shared. The two were joined by basketball veteran Allen Iverson, who showed off his crossover skills in one of the scenes. “Music is a form of expression,” Swizz said. “I just love to be here and being able to share that expression with the world.” Slated for debut later this year, Limitless is set to include a slew of additional features including Rick Ross, Nas, DMX and the Lox. “When the Rick Ross mixtape [ Rich Forever ] came out, that inspired me to do a mixtape, because sometimes people need to get back into the element of what you do, since they see you doing so many different ventures,” Swizz explained to MTV News in early March. “People have to know that you can take it back to the basics and keep it hip-hop and keep it fun and just do what made you the person that you are,” he continued. “That’s why I think this mixtape is important. I’m vibing with Nas on it, Rick Ross, DMX, the Lox — people that everybody asks, ‘Man, when are you guys gonna do a track together?’ and ‘When is this happening?’ I thought the mixtape was a great way to bring that to life.” Many fans were expecting the “On to the Next One” producer’s next musical project to be the LP Haute Living , but Swizz is opting for perfection over expediency. “I know that everybody was looking for a whole album,” he added. “But I’m a perfectionist, and I felt like I just wanted to put some more finishing touches on it and figured I don’t have to rush anything.” Related Videos ‘RapFix Live’ Gets A New Point Of View Related Artists Swizz Beatz A$AP Rocky

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Swizz Beatz, A$AP Rocky ‘Make History’ On ‘Street Knock’

Taylor Swift’s Road To Rap: T-Swizzle To B.o.B’s ‘Both Of Us’

MTV News takes a look at Swift’s hip-hop history, leading up to her track with the Strange Clouds rapper. By Jocelyn Vena Taylor Swift Photo: Getty Images Taylor Swift — or T-Swizzle, as she’s known in rap circles — has been working her way toward a legitimate appearance on a hip-hop track for some time now. After welcoming many an MC onstage during her Speak Now Tour, the singer now guests on B.o.B’s Strange Clouds track “Both of Us.” The Dr. Luke-produced song blends the unlikely duo’s musical genres, with jangly guitars that pay homage to Swift’s country roots and synthy beats that have Bobby Ray’s hip-hop flavor. Surprisingly, the duet came about at the insistence of the singer. B.o.B recently explained that “she came to Atlanta and she hit up Grand Hustle. I wasn’t there. Tip was there and I eventually linked with her in Dallas and the rest is history.” This is not the first time the twosome have appeared on a song together. Last year, during Swift’s tour, B.o.B took the stage to perform “Airplanes” with the star. Swift took over chorus duties from her pal (and Paramore leading lady) Hayley Williams. But we have to go back even further than that to really dive into T-Swizzle’s hip-hop history. In a 2008 MTV News interview, the singer opened up about one day wanting to work with rappers . “I’d like to do a completely off-the-wall collaboration,” she said. “I would like one of my songs to be the hook to a rap song. That would be so much fun! You know, I love Kanye West and I love T.I. — he’s amazing.” The following year, at the 2009 CMT Awards , she hooked up with T-Pain to parody her good-girl image in the song “Thug Life.” She showed not only her gangster side, but also her funny bone, rapping lyrics like, “You can find me making cookies at night/ You out clubbing? I just made caramel delights.” Taking some time off from her rap game for a minute, in 2011 she enlisted the likes of Nicki Minaj, Flo Rida , and, yes, T.I. to put her stamp on some of their biggest hits during the Speak Now Tour . Initially, it surprised Tip that the country cutie would want to have him appear onstage with her last October. T.I. explained, “I was confused, because I know it’s a phenomenal opportunity, but being T.I. — the Rubberband Man — and Taylor Swift being America’s Sweetheart, I had just gotten out of prison like two days [earlier] and all of a sudden my phone rings.” Eventually, though, she was welcomed with open arms into his crew. “Taylor’s extended Hustle gang. She a part of the crew,” T.I. said in March. “She just ain’t got her dog tags yet, but she’s a part of the crew, though.” In the midst of the tour, Swift talked about asking rappers to perform with her. “I’m a huge hip-hop fan,” she shared. “And it’s been so amazing to have so many incredible artists come out and to get to sing the hooks on their songs that I’ve been blasting in my car for the last couple years.” Now, with so much practice singing other people’s hooks behind her, it seems like the right time for her to get her own. On the B.o.B track, she sings, “I wish I was strong enough to lift not one, but both of us/ Someday, I will be strong enough to lift not one but both of us.” The lines mirror the song’s theme of battling hardships and strife. “Both of Us” will be featured on B.o.B’s May album release. Are you ready for more T-Swizzle? Let us know in the comments! Related Videos MTV First: Taylor Swift Related Artists Taylor Swift B.o.B T.I. Flo Rida

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Taylor Swift’s Road To Rap: T-Swizzle To B.o.B’s ‘Both Of Us’

‘RJ Berger’ Star Paul Iacono Came Out For ‘Gay Pride’

‘It’s our duty to the community to step forward and be vocal,’ actor tells MTV News. By Jocelyn Vena Paul Iacono Photo: MTV News “The Hard Time of RJ Berger” star Paul Iacono made headlines this week when he revealed that he’s gay . The actor said he wanted to come out now because “we need to have gay pride.” “I feel really good,” he told MTV News, just a day after the Village Voice posted the candid interview about his sexuality. “I fell like a weight has been lifted that I didn’t know was there. I’ve been out with my friends and family for five years, but coming out in a public forum like that is inspiring to myself and hopefully to other people. “I think at the moment, we need to have gay pride, because there are so many people who don’t feel as comfortable as I do,” the 23-year-old continued. “And it’s taken me a very long time to get to be comfortable about it, but it’s our duty to the community to step forward and be vocal. I’m gay, it’s cool.” The events that led to his coming out just kind of happened, he explained to us. “A lot of the work I do writing-wise tends to have gay themes, and I’m performing in a piece, in a play in New York, ‘Justin Sayre Is Alive and Well … Writing’ … and there are some gay themes in the play, and the producers asked me If I was comfortable doing gay press,” he recalled. “And I said, ‘Of course,’ and [writer] Michael Musto of The Village Voice sort of brought up the fact, I know him socially, [and asked] if I was comfortable coming out, and I was like, ‘Why not?’ I’m happy to be. I’m happy to shed some light to people who don’t have the courage to do so.” He added that it was the right place and time up to the New York-based columnist, calling him a Big Apple “icon,” adding, “I was very honored to use that forum to have this discussion.” While he’s been out to his family, Iacono did want to give them a heads-up that he’d be coming out on a much bigger scale. “I called my mom and my dad, and i just told them I was doing this, and my mom and my dad are both very New Jersey Italians, and my mom was like, ‘But, yeah, you’re gay already; everybody knows.’ And I was like, ‘No, not everyone knows. Most people assume you’re straight, as crazy as that is.’ I was telling my younger brother, and I was like, ‘You never had to come to Mom and Dad and say, “Mom and Dad, I’m straight.” ‘ It’s a double standard and it’s pass

Justin Bieber Goes Country? Taylor Swift Joins JB In Studio

‘You know, the whole album is just so different, there’s so many different people collaborating,’ Bieber says of Believe. By James Dinh Justin Bieber and Taylor Swift Photo: Getty Images Justin Bieber has added yet another A-list chart-topper to the collaboration roster for his new album Believe. Speaking with Capital FM earlier this week, the Biebster announced that he’s hit the studio with his very own “Punk’d” victim Taylor Swift . “You know, the whole album is just so different, there’s so many different people collaborating,” the 18-year-old pop star said of the upcoming release. Aside from name-dropping a few hip-hop heavyweights like Kanye West and Drake, the singer revealed that he penned a tune with Swift, admitting the cut will have a country vibe. “It’s crazy,” Bieber explained. “I mean I even wrote a song with Taylor Swift, so the whole album ranges differently.” With the string of features, JB emphasized that the LP will have a mix of sounds, saying, “With my music, it doesn’t only stay in a box. It’s so out there. Everything is so different and that’s why I’m so happy with this album.” No word on whether Swift’s vocals will appear on the tune in addition to her writing credit. Bieber’s collabo with the singer/songwriter shouldn’t be too much of a shock for fans. Late last year, the duo hit the stage together for Swift’s L.A. gig on her Speak Now trek. Most recently, Swift was the subject of one of Bieber’s “Punk’d” shenanigans when he convinced the singer she ruined a wedding. Who else would you like to see Justin collaborate with on Believe ? Tell us your suggestions below! Related Artists Justin Bieber Taylor Swift

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Justin Bieber Goes Country? Taylor Swift Joins JB In Studio

Nick Jonas, Michael Urie Reveal ‘How To Succeed’ In Anything

‘How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying’ stars give their own guides on being successful. By Jocelyn Vena Nick Jonas Photo: Robin Marchant/ WireImage Nick Jonas and Michael Urie are currently starring in the smash Broadway musical “How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying,” where night after night they learn and re-learn how to succeed in business … well, you get the point. Given all that sage wisdom, when MTV News sat down with the twosome, we decided to have the guys themselves offer up some handy guides in “How To Succeed In [Insert Objective Here] Without Really Trying.” Why? Well, Jonas’ J. Pierrepont Finch eventually finds success at the World Wide Wicket Company, where he meets Bud Frump, played by Urie. Frump hopes that nepotism can help him win within the company, whereas Finch relies on the help in the book for which the play is named. In honor of that handy-dandy fictional guide, we thought they might have some fun writing their own guides to life. When asked about their advice on “How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying,” guys broke down three key ingredients. “Well, I think #1 is just do nothing, cause you can’t try,” Urie explained. “And then #2 is you gotta do something, and then #3: Do nothing again.” While that advice may seem vague for any corporate climbers out there, Jonas couldn’t help but have to agree with it. Now, Nick was more forthcoming about “How To Succeed In Show Business Without Really Trying.” His advice? “Be humble and be good to people on the way up, ’cause they’ll be your friends if there’s ever a moment when you need them on the way down or any moment in any career,” Jonas said. “And then also enjoy the ride, ’cause it usually is a fun one, even when things become tough and take on an interesting turn.” His final piece of wisdom? “And then surround yourself with good people,” he explained. “Good people a part of your team, a part of your cast and just everyone who can help you get to the best place that you want to be in.” And then finally, we wanted to know how the guys “Succeed In Love Without Really Trying.” “[Be] patient, definitely always gotta have patience in love,” Urie said. “[Be] understanding, which is sort of like patient, but a little bit different. And then lie, cheat, steal.” What do you think of the guys’ advice in business, show business and love? Tell us in the comments! Related Artists Nick Jonas & The Administration

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Nick Jonas, Michael Urie Reveal ‘How To Succeed’ In Anything

Should Taylor Swift And One Direction’s Harry Styles Date?

Fans had very strong reactions when MTV News reported about the rumored couple. By Katie Byrne Taylor Swift Photo: Getty Images Are Taylor Swift and One Direction ‘s Harry Styles a couple? They’re not talking — but you certainly are. On Wednesday, we posted some compelling evidence that Swift and Styles might be linked up (Exhibit A: This video , in which 1D rib their bandmate about Taylor during an MTV News interview), and fans certainly had their opinions on the potential pair. Many readers chalked it up to one more dude caught in the Taylor Swift rumor mill. “I think it’s time to stop the Taylor Swift likes whoever nonsense,” BrianC6234 wrote in the MTV News comments section. “First of all, why does it matter? But even if you care, these rumors have all been false. Isn’t she dating that guy from ‘Les Miserables’? I mean Zac Efron. Wait, no, it’s Tim Tebow. Get the point?” “These rumors have always been wrong,” WeeRu chimed in. “Chord Overstreet, that guy from Parachute, Zac Efron and now Harry Styles? I don’t think so.” RachV2389 added: “Guy after guy. Well … she hasn’t had a song about a British boy yet!” A lot of Taylor fans out there are hopeless romantics, just like their idol, and have their fingers crossed that the One Direction heartthrob is “The One” for Swift. “Harry is a good guy,” xLara_Stylesx wrote. “If you watch all his videos you will see that he has a good personality. And Taylor deserves a boyfriend like him (:” “I love them both,” mrs.worldwide said. “It would be nice if they were together.” (BTW, should we get started on the joint nickname? We’re thinking Haylor or Swiftles.) But it wasn’t all roses and sunshine: Some short-and-not-so-sweet reactions to the news included “SWEET BABY JESUS NO” and “no, please no!” “Heeeck no,” Stephanie Lynn Roberts posted on MTV News’ Facebook page. “Harry has class. TSwift would just break up with him to get a new hit song.” Some fans pointed out the age difference between the 18-year-old boy bander and 22-year-old country superstar. “Come on, Taylor, the kid is only 18,” Ariela M. Garcia wrote, which prompted Facebook user Holly McQuithey to point out Styles’ 32-year-old ex. “Harry dated Caroline Flack. There is no age limit for that boy. Let him be happy.” But one reader, MinkenGjerald, really made us laugh with their reason the couple will never work: “Well… no.. Harry is a sex bomb and Taylor is so innocent.” What do you think? Share your thoughts on the rumored couple in the comments or on Facebook ! Related Videos MTV News Extended Play: One Direction MTV First: Taylor Swift Related Photos One Direction Light Up The ‘Today’ Show Related Artists Taylor Swift One Direction

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Should Taylor Swift And One Direction’s Harry Styles Date?

Should Taylor Swift And One Direction’s Harry Styles Date?

Fans had very strong reactions when MTV News reported about the rumored couple. By Katie Byrne Taylor Swift Photo: Getty Images Are Taylor Swift and One Direction ‘s Harry Styles a couple? They’re not talking — but you certainly are. On Wednesday, we posted some compelling evidence that Swift and Styles might be linked up (Exhibit A: This video , in which 1D rib their bandmate about Taylor during an MTV News interview), and fans certainly had their opinions on the potential pair. Many readers chalked it up to one more dude caught in the Taylor Swift rumor mill. “I think it’s time to stop the Taylor Swift likes whoever nonsense,” BrianC6234 wrote in the MTV News comments section. “First of all, why does it matter? But even if you care, these rumors have all been false. Isn’t she dating that guy from ‘Les Miserables’? I mean Zac Efron. Wait, no, it’s Tim Tebow. Get the point?” “These rumors have always been wrong,” WeeRu chimed in. “Chord Overstreet, that guy from Parachute, Zac Efron and now Harry Styles? I don’t think so.” RachV2389 added: “Guy after guy. Well … she hasn’t had a song about a British boy yet!” A lot of Taylor fans out there are hopeless romantics, just like their idol, and have their fingers crossed that the One Direction heartthrob is “The One” for Swift. “Harry is a good guy,” xLara_Stylesx wrote. “If you watch all his videos you will see that he has a good personality. And Taylor deserves a boyfriend like him (:” “I love them both,” mrs.worldwide said. “It would be nice if they were together.” (BTW, should we get started on the joint nickname? We’re thinking Haylor or Swiftles.) But it wasn’t all roses and sunshine: Some short-and-not-so-sweet reactions to the news included “SWEET BABY JESUS NO” and “no, please no!” “Heeeck no,” Stephanie Lynn Roberts posted on MTV News’ Facebook page. “Harry has class. TSwift would just break up with him to get a new hit song.” Some fans pointed out the age difference between the 18-year-old boy bander and 22-year-old country superstar. “Come on, Taylor, the kid is only 18,” Ariela M. Garcia wrote, which prompted Facebook user Holly McQuithey to point out Styles’ 32-year-old ex. “Harry dated Caroline Flack. There is no age limit for that boy. Let him be happy.” But one reader, MinkenGjerald, really made us laugh with their reason the couple will never work: “Well… no.. Harry is a sex bomb and Taylor is so innocent.” What do you think? Share your thoughts on the rumored couple in the comments or on Facebook ! Related Videos MTV News Extended Play: One Direction MTV First: Taylor Swift Related Photos One Direction Light Up The ‘Today’ Show Related Artists Taylor Swift One Direction

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Should Taylor Swift And One Direction’s Harry Styles Date?

Scarlett Johansson Is ‘Just Happy To Be Alive’ After ‘The Avengers’

‘They beat the crap out of me,’ actress tells MTV News about her most formidable opponent. By Fallon Prinzivalli, with reporting by Kara Warner Scarlett Johanson at the “Avengers” premiere Photo: Jason Merritt/ Getty Images We already know from the first clip that Scarlett Johansson has some serious stunt work in “Marvel’s The Avengers” — and rightfully so! Her character Natalie Romanoff, better known as Black Widow, is an undercover S.H.I.E.L.D. agent, and what kind of spy would she be if she didn’t kick some butt? When MTV News caught up with the actress at the red-carpet premiere of the film on Wednesday, we asked her which stunt sequence in the film she was most proud of mastering, and her answer almost turned into a spoiler reveal! “The stunt sequence that I’ve been the most proud of is probably my fight with…” Johansson stopped abruptly. “Actually, I don’t know if I can say!” She looks at someone off camera and asks, “Can I say? I don’t know if I can.” When we asked her if it’s Loki (Tom Hiddleston), Johansson replied, “No,” and her eyes became playfully shifty as she continued, “All I can say is that I had to fight someone else in this film, and they beat the crap out of me in stunt rehearsals. I have to say I could not believe it.” If it’s not Loki, who could she be talking about? One of Joss Whedon’s mysterious aliens, perhaps? All we know right now is that whoever he — or quite possibly she — is, they have some bigger muscles than Black Widow. “I was like, ‘Can you hold it back, OK? You know, I’m trying to work it out here. I’ve got smaller muscles than you,’ ” Johansson said. “I was dragged across the [floor]. When we finally finished [filming] that scene I was just happy to be alive.” The starlet also told MTV News which Avenger got roughed up the most. “We all took a pretty big beating,” she said. “I would have to say either [Black] Widow or Hawkeye (Jeremy Renner). We’re on the ground so we’re fighting hand-to-hand and it hurts.” Considering Johansson was “just happy to be alive,” we’re putting our money on Black Widow. “Marvel’s The Avengers” hits theaters May 4 and experts are already predicting a massively strong opening weekend. Deadline reports a box office estimate of $125 million plus, which would make it the biggest non-sequel opening for Marvel. Tickets for the midnight release are already selling out fast. Check out everything we’ve got on “Marvel’s The Avengers.” For breaking news and previews of the latest comic book movies — updated around the clock — visit SplashPage.MTV.com . Related Photos ‘Avengers’ Assemble At Los Angeles Premiere

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Scarlett Johansson Is ‘Just Happy To Be Alive’ After ‘The Avengers’

Boy-Band Romance Rumors: Joe Jonas Dating A Model?

As Jonas is photographed with Brazilian model Jessica Pott, rumors swirl about One Direction’s Harry Styles and the Wanted’s Max George. By Jocelyn Vena Jessica Pott and Joe Jonas in New York on Tuesday Photo: Pacific Coast News For boy banders, it seems that spring has sprung and love is in the air. With so many rumors floating around, it seems like now is the time to do a Boy-Band Romance Report Card. So, MTV News has compiled a roundup of who’s dating whom, who’s nursing a broken heart and who is playing the field. Now, we’ll quit playing games with your heart and dive right into all the juicy details: Whom is Harry Styles Dating, Anyway? These days, One Direction is pretty busy traveling the globe, touring and promoting their album Up All Night , so any rumors of their romantic escapades seem to be as fleeting as their stops in various ports of call. In addition to chatter that Taylor Swift is crushing on him , American singer Lily Halpern opened up about the rumors she’s seeing Harry. She confirmed seeing him when he was in NYC for the band’s appearance on “Saturday Night Live,” but did she confirm whether they are a couple? “I met Harry through Big Time Rush. … We’ve been friends ever since [we met in March],” she told E! News . “He’s adorable. He’s a great, great guy. Who doesn’t have a crush on Harry Styles? He’s great. He’s a good friend. He’s a very good friend. He’s in Australia now. The time difference definitely makes it really hard … so we haven’t been able to talk on the phone or anything, but I’ve definitely heard from him.” “It’s hard. … I saw him this [past] weekend,” the NYC-based singer said of watching “Flubber” with him during some off-time. “I haven’t been able to see him that much. It would be very hard to have a relationship with someone [who travels a lot]. If he was here all of the time, things would probably be different, but we’re friends for now.” One Direction will be back in the States next month for their U.S. tour . Joe Jonas Has a New Lady?!? Well, it seems Joe Jonas has a new lass in his life. The Jonas brother was photographed strutting around Manhattan’s SoHo neighborhood with Brazilian model Jessica Pott. He has reportedly been seeing the catwalker since December, but the twosome has been pretty stealthy about avoiding being photographed together. According to the Daily Mail , the two were first spotted together hanging in the Meatpacking District months ago, and her rep would only confirm, “They do know each other.” Jonas has been in and out of New York working his brothers, the currently single “How to Succeed” star Nick and married big bro Kevin, on their next album , a follow-up to 2009’s Lines, Vines and Trying Times . Is Max George Engaged? The Wanted ‘s resident bad boy recently confirmed that he’s no longer betrothed to Brit actress Michelle Keegan, emphatically telling Ryan Seacrest, “No, no, no, not anymore” and adding that he is “absolutely” enjoying the benefits of his heartthrob status. However, her rep tried to clarify their relationship status to the Mirror, noting they are together, despite what Max implied in his interview. “Michelle and Max are still very much together as a couple, but they are both traditionalists and realized that there is no point in being engaged until they are in a position to plan a wedding,” the statement reads. Perhaps they put off a wedding because Max has been very busy chasing success. The Wanted just shot a music video for their single “Chasing the Sun,” and they will release their debut U.S. album on April 24. Related Artists One Direction Jonas Brothers

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Boy-Band Romance Rumors: Joe Jonas Dating A Model?

Cee Lo Green Confirms Christina Aguilera Duet

‘Voice’ coaches recording track for Aguilera’s upcoming album. By John Mitchell Christina Aguilera and Cee Lo Photo: Gregg DeGuire/ Getty Images We already know Christina Aguilera is hard at work on her upcoming album, and now we have confirmation that at least one of her fellow “The Voice” coaches will appear on the still-untitled set, due out later this year. Talking to Billboard , Cee Lo Green revealed that he is working on a track with Aguilera, but declined to give much information about the song itself — other than it is happening and it is at least partly recorded. “It’s a song for her album. I won’t disclose the title, because it could possibly be a working title,” Green said. “We’ve talked about it amongst ourselves, and I’m gonna go in on it and work it out. It’ll be the second song we’ve done.” The first song they recorded together was the demo “Nasty,” which was recorded for but ultimately not included on the soundtrack to Aguilera’s film “Burlesque.” “I just gotta get in there and … splash,” Green continued, implying that Aguilera already recorded her vocal for the unnamed track. After a recent “Voice” taping, Aguilera told the show’s social-media correspondent Christina Milian that she has been hitting the studio in whatever free time she can find in her busy schedule with the TV hit. “I started [the album] whenever I started this show, and then [the show] kind of took off into this big thing,” Aguilera explained. “So, the show used to be a side project and kind of turned into a bigger time-fulfilling, dedicated project for me.” The pop star, who appeared on Maroon 5’s #1 hit “Moves Like Jagger” last year, is working with a variety of producers and songwriters on the effort. “It’s just filled with fun and excitement, and it’s gonna come out later this year,” Aguilera added. “I’m very, very excited to share it with my fans, finally.” Who would you like to hear Christina collaborate with on her new album? Tell us below! Related Artists Christina Aguilera Cee Lo Green

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Cee Lo Green Confirms Christina Aguilera Duet